Torn

by Tanya Cole

  “Here.”

  Thank you. Tell Mark I will be back.” Free says as he walks out of the door going straight to the liquor store. I walk behind him.

  “Yeah, whatever, “I say as I close and lock the door.

  ********

  I’m asleep when a Mark walks into our bedroom with Free.

  “So, Champ was here today? Huh?”

  “Huh?” I ask with my eyes barely open.

  “Don’t huh me Moet. Was he here or not?” he says with Free standing next to him.

  “Yeah, he came to see you earlier.”

  As soon as I said that, we hear someone coming in the house.

  “Yeah, they’re here,” Tia says.

  “Okay. Tell them that Champ is here.” I hear from the living room.

  Tia walks into the room. Free looks at her crazy and Mark is still looking at me.

  “Uh, Champ is in the living room. He brought some KFC.”

  “Shit, my nigga. I was hungry as hell.” Mark says as he walks into the living room forgetting all about questioning me.

  “I came to see you and MJ. I waited for you earlier, but you didn’t show up. So, I dipped out for a minute. I had to go to the crib and put it on wifey. Moet, fat head lil girl. Come and fix Mark a plate. Did you get the job lil nigga?”

  “I got to wait on the second interview,” Mark says lying for no reason at all.

  “Let me go in the kitchen and fix this food.”

  “That’s what I’m talking about baby,” Mark says as he slaps me on the ass.

  As I’m in the kitchen washing the dishes from last night, Champ sits in the chair closest to the kitchen. He knows what’s up. I slide off my panties.

  “Aye. Mark , cut on the game. You go first.” Champ says.

  He knows that when Mark is into the game, he doesn’t pay attention to anything but that game.

  I start twerking as Champs watches. I make my ass clap as I wash the dishes. Yeah, life is good. A couple more dollars and I’ll get my crib. I just wish Champ could go home with me.

  Free

  “Yeah, baby. Right there.”

  “You like that?” she says as she licks the tip of my dick.

  “You know I do,” I say as I grab her head.

  I speed up and two minutes later, I’m sending my seeds where they belong.

  I walk to the bathroom to clean myself up.

  “Free, when are you going to commit to me?” Shayla asks.

  “Girl, I’m not leaving Tia. I’ve already told you that. Now, you can be my little bust it baby on the side but that’s about it.” I say as I walk into her bedroom and lay in the bed.

  “So, you just gonna keep sexing me while you plan on marrying her? But I can’t talk to or see anyone else?”

  “Nope, you can’t. I made that clear that I had a girl in the beginning. You still wanted to fuck with me. And you didn’t have a nigga before. So, why do you need one now?”

  “I’m not feeling the whole side piece position.”

  “Okay, you know your role. You play it very well. Now, come here.” I say pulling her on the bed.

  “You know wassup. Give me some of dat chocolate kitty cat.”

  I’m rubbing her body and kissing her on the neck. Ten minutes later, I’m cumming again. I wish I was fucking my girl, but it’s been a month. Tia still ain’t gave me no ass. So, that’s why I‘m fucking Shayla. Well, even if she did give me some- I’d still be fucking off. My phone rings and my Tyrese ringtone comes on. Damn, if Tia’s calling that means she is getting off early from work.

  “Straight fucking with no interruptions at alllll.” My phone sings.

  “Are you going to tell her how you just straight fucked me,” Shayla says laughing.

  I hold up my finger to let her know to shut that fuck shit up.

  That’s my ringtone for my baby. I quickly answer the phone.

  “Sup, Tia baby. What’s wrong?”

  “I’m off early. It’s a slow night. We going to the room?”

  “Yeah, I got it. I’m on my way baby.”

  “Aight. I’ll see you later.” Tia says as I hang up the phone.

  “Shay?”

  “Don’t even think about it?”

  “Play your part, Shay. And when I get a job, I got you. Just give me two hundred dollars. Damn, what the fuck you gonna get mad for? You knew this shit. Now, you wanna trip?”

  “Here Free .What do you expect? Me to say here go some money to take your girlfriend to the room with. I don’t understand why you with her homeless ass when I got a car and a house. And you said it yourself that she don’t suck dick. So, what does she have that I don’t?” she says as she gets $200.00 out of her wallet.

  “She got me. And keep her name out of your mouth. I’ll see you in the morning when I drop Tia off.”

  “Yeah, but I’m not going to be here.”

  “And why not?” I say.

  “Because I have a date Free.” She says as she tries to walk out of the bedroom

  “A who? You got a what?” I say as I jump over the bed.

  I jump in front of the bedroom door and close it before she can leave out. I grab her hands.

  “Free, let me go.”

  “Nah, you got me fucked up for real!”

  “No, I got you figured out! And you got me fucked up! Now, I’ll call you when I want to see you! Goodbye Free!”

  “It’s like that huh?”

  “Yeah, now I said it.” She says stumbling onto the bed because I snatched her by her hair.

  I put all of my weight on her so that she can’t move.

  “You’re going where Shayla?”

  “Nowhere! Get off of me! Free!”

  I ease off her slowly. She jumps up and scratches my neck.

  “Da fuck Shay? Tia is going to see this shit! You’re trying to get me in trouble. If she says anything to me about this scratch, we are done!” I say as I walk into the bathroom.

  Ain’t no way I can hide this long ass scratch on my neck!

  I look in the mirror and study my features. I was supposed to be a model. My deep brown skin is smooth and until now I didn’t have not one scratch or mark on me. My dreads are shoulder length and are twisted into a ponytail. Tia keeps my hair tight. My dark brown bedroom eyes are the first thing women notice about me.

  Now, I got this long ass scratch on my neck and I know Tia is going to trip. I walk straight pass her ass and slam the door. I walk to my cream Navigator truck, jump in the drivers’ seat, and bump my trap music. I pull up to Tia’s job. She works at Red Lobster and I pray she brings home some bread. That shit is too fye. She switches up to the car and gets in the passenger seat.

  “Hey, baby. You got me some bread?” I ask kissing her on the lips.

  My baby is so sexy.

  “Yeah, I. What the fuck is that scratch on your neck?” Tia asks.

  “I was wrestling with my niece and nephews when Dahlia scratched me.”

  “You’re lying.”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “Yes, the fuck you are. Because your sister came in today and ordered three lobster pizzas with your niece and nephews! I asked her when the last time she saw you! She said when you went to your mom’s house for the birthday barbeque!” she says.

  “Tia, why are you tripping? It’s not like I’m fucking off.”

  “Whatever let’s go now Free!”

  “Okay, Tia. I love you.” I say as I pull off.

  We ride in silence to Mark’s crib. I hate going over there. Mark is too soft and he just let the bullshit that Moet do slide right on by him.

  “Tia, baby ,” I start to say, but Tia just gets out of the truck and walks up the stairs.

  I grab my keys and walk up the stairs too. Tia is sitting on the couch talking to Moet.

  “Tia, can we talk?”

  “Hell no! For what Free? You lied to me! And then came up with some bullshit ass story!”

  “Nah, so we can fix it.”

  “Fix that scratc
h with that red fingernail polish on your neck. Give me the keys so I can go over my sister’s house.

  Aight, here you go.” I say as I throw the keys in her lap.

  She heads to our room, grabs some clothes, takes a shower, puts on some clothes, and sprays on some perfume.

  “I’m out.” She says as she walks out of the door.

  So much for me getting some pussy.

  Tia

  I pull up to my sister’s house. She lives about six minutes away from our brother Mark.

  “Hey, Tia.”

  “Hey, Trinity. What’s up?”

  “Let me guess. Your jailbird ass man made you mad again?” she asks.

  “Nah, I’m just coming to see you. I can’t visit you?”

  “Yeah, you can. But I know that it’s your man that’s the problem.”

  “How do you know Trinity?”

  “Because he already called and said to tell you that he said he is sorry.”

  “Okay. So, yeah I’m pissed.”

  “About what this time?”

  “He has this long ass scratch on his neck and it has red fingernail polish on it too.”

  “So, let me get this straight. He’s cheating, broke, a for real felon, homeless, and he can’t fuck. Now, tell me why you with him again?”

  “Aye, I told you about our sex life in confidence and you promised never to bring it up again. Have you ever thought that maybe I love him Trin?”

  “Just like daddy says, you can do bad all by yourself.”

  “I know sis.”

  “Let’s roll up this blunt and wait on my partna to pull up.”

  We sit on the couch and watch Friday. For some strange reason, Trinity watches it every time she smokes weed. As we laugh at Chris Tucker’s jokes, there’s a small tap on the door.

  “Who is it?” Trinity asks.

  “Jas.”

  “Let him in.”

  I walk in the door and when I open it I’m shocked to see who it is.

  “Jason, what are you doing here?”

  “I came to see my homegirl. What’s up with you?”

  “Kicking it with my sister.”

  “Trinity is your sister? Damn, Memphis is small as hell.” He says as he walks in the living room.

  “I know.”

  I’m looking at him thinking about him that way. Nah, let me stop. Jason is my co-worker. He is fine and he flirts with me daily. But my smart ass is faithful to Free. For what, I don’t know. I push it out of my mind and start back watching T.V.

  “Hey Trinity. Why you didn’t tell me Tia is your sister?”

  “You never asked boi. Why? You wanna holler?” she says smiling.

  “She already knows what’s up with me,” Jason says looking me up and down. “Remember the woman I said I couldn’t wait to give my keys to?”

  “Yeah. The steak and potatoes type?” Trin says laughing.

  “Yeah, that’s her.”

  “And Jason knows I have a man.”

  “Not for long.” He says looking into my eyes. “Break out the dominoes. Where are your babies?”

  “At their pappy house.”

  We play bones and smoke for a few hours. Jason is really cool. I was so busy ignoring him since he fixed the truck that I’ve never really had a conversation with him. But I’ve always noticed how sexy he is.

  “Ya’ll hungry?” Jason asks.

  “Hell yeah!” we say in unison.

  “Aye, Tia. You wanna ride with me to go grab some food?”

  “Of course she wants to.”

  “Trin?” I say.

  “Naw, fuck that broke ass nigga. Da fuck wrong with you. See ya later.” Trinity says pushing me out the door with Jason.

  We walk to his car in silence. He opens the door and I reach over and unlock his door. He smiles. I guess he wanted to see if I would pass the test.

  “So, I finally got you in my car with me in it of course. Ms. Tia. You know you’re going to be mine right?”

  “I’m taken, Jason.”

  “Yeah, by me. And I always get what I want. I’ve been wanting you for a year and six months now. Every time I try to talk to you I get turned down.”

  “Like I said I have a man.”

  “You do now. Me,” he says as he starts up the car.

  We sing to the radio and I’m feeling his vibe. He grabs my hand and our fingers lock. My heart skips a beat. I don’t feel this way with Free. As a matter of fact, I’ve never felt this way. It actually feels so good. He pulls up to the Olive Garden.

  “Jason, I’m not dressed right.”

  “You look good to me baby. Let’s eat and enjoy each other’s company. Okay?”

  “Okay.

  We walk in and wait to be seated. The hostess informs us that it will be a thirty-minute wait.

  As we wait, we talk about our future, our dreams, our short-term goals, and our long-term goals. I learn a lot about him in that short amount of time.

  We’re enjoying our meal when Lil Durk walks up to our table.

  “Wassup Tia? You aight? Where’s Free?” he asks.

  “Probably at his sidepiece house. Why don’t you go and call him?”

  “Oh, I am.” He says walking off.

  I’m so into our conversation that I don’t notice him taking a picture of us. After a bottle of wine and some good food, our vibe is pretty chilled out too. It’s been a while since I’ve been mentally stimulated. Free just gets on my nerves. Hearing his voice annoys me and that’s the reason why I work so much. We pull back up to Trinity’s crib. Free is standing there drunk as hell.

  “You Bitch! You went on a date?” he screams. “Durk texted me and sent me a pic.You slut!”

  Before I can say anything, Trinity comes out of the door.

  “You broke bitch!

  Who are you calling a broke bitch?” Trinity says.

  “Not you! I should’ve dated you! At least you got something going for yourself! She’s just a homeless broke ass bitch!” Free says.

  Trinity punches him in the face. He falls on the ground face first. We walk in the house and roll up a blunt. When he finally wakes up, he can’t remember what happened. Tipsy and high, I lay down in my sister’s spare bedroom and fall asleep. When I wake up, Free is standing next to the bed. He has that look in his eyes. But little does he know, Jason is on my mind. Then, Free starts to lick my feet and suck on my toes. He kisses my legs, my thighs, and then my stomach. He licks my breast and sucks my nipples gently. I close my eyes and fantasize about Jason. That it is him kissing my body all over. He rolls me onto my stomach and kisses my back slowly. He uses his tongue going up and down my spine. He stops at my cheeks.

  “Tia. I love you. This is how much I do.” Free says.

  He opens up my ass cheeks with his hands and licks my butthole. Then, he sucks on it. I jump up. Now, I’m into some freaky shit but that’s taking it too far.

  “Why you move? Let me finish,” he asks.

  “Nah, I’m good. I’m cramping. So, my period finna come on.”

  “Again Tia?”

  “Yeah. I’m stressed.”

  “Aight. I’m out then.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “Back to the Asap.”

  “Aight. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  I text my brother and tell him to text my phone when he gets there. He shows up an hour and a half later. I ain’t sweating it though because I texted and talked to Jason till I fell asleep.

  Mark

  It’s late night and I just got off work. I walk in the house and Moet is sitting on the couch with Free. He is talking shit about Tia. Long as he don’t call her a bitch- I’m good.

  “Mane, what’s up lil bruh?”

  “Shit. Free, wassup?”

  “Me and you going to the store. So, you can buy me a Colt 45 bruh.”

  “I’m broke Free.”

  “I’m not. Walk with me.”

  “Aight. Baby, I’m going to the store. You want something back?”
<
br />   “Yeah, some Cheetos, hot fries, cookies, and a faygo. Grape baby. And hurry up so you can clean up and cook dinner.”

  “You didn’t cook Moet?”

  “No.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because you going to cook when you get back. And clean too. So hurry up.”

  I wish I could hit women. If I could I would smack the shit out of her ass. I just worked for twelve hours and I got to come home and cook too. The fuck is she doing all day besides posting on Facebook.

  “So, your sister moved out on me. I caught her with some other nigga over Trinity’s house.”

  “I heard they jumped you and left you on the front yard drunk and sleep! And she’s been over there ever since.” I say laughing.

  “Yeah, they robbed me too. I can’t say shit. I got caught slipping.” I say laughing. “She’s going to leave me.”

  “Yup. You be doing too much. And then you can’t keep a job. My sister is already going through enough. You’re bringing more problems. So hell yeah, she is going to leave you.”

  “Mane, I got to man up then. I’m going to change. I can’t lose Tia. I talk shit but I love her. She’s the best thing I’ve ever had. What should I do Mark?”

  “Get a damn job.”

  “Fa Sho. Now, let’s get this Colt 45. I got to drink. I can’t stop thinking about seeing Tia with that nigga.”

  “Well, you better tighten up then.”

  We walk in the store and Kareshia walks by. Without saying a word, she walks to the back of the store.

  “Let me see what’s up Free. Don’t tell Moet.”

  “Fuck am I going to tell Moet for? I don’t like that bitch. Or that Kareshia bitch either.”

  “Damn. Free, it’s like that?”

  “Yup.”

  I walk to the back of the store to talk to Kareshia. She walks over to the next aisle. I follow her.

  “You don’t want to talk to me?” I ask.

  “You had your chance. When I was in the car with Moet, you could’ve told me the truth. I put you on blast to see if you would tell Moet that you want me back.”

  “Shit, for real. You should’ve stayed and never left my side. You were in love when you stayed at home while I went to work and paid all the bills. But soon as I lost my job, you got on down. So, I made a choice. Staying with Moet is the best thing going for me now. Goodbye Kareshia!”

  “Aight. I’m with Danny now anyway. He’s a man. I don’t have to worry about him playing games. Especially not a video game. Good luck with as the hood say, Hoet.” Kareshia says as she walks off.